credit cards

Beware of induced spending (or the perils of credit card travel benefits)

  I read lots of travel hacking blogs, as I’ve mentioned many times. And because sometimes travel hacking blogs seem more like credit card sales pages, I ingest many marketing messages on a regular basis. So when I was writing … Read MoreRead More

On financial prudence (or why I’m probably not cut out to be a travel hacker)

  I love talking about travel hacking, which I define as strategies of acquiring travel experiences creatively, for less than than the usual cost. It’s pretty awesome actually. I’ve utilized some tricks that have allowed me to stay in nice … Read MoreRead More

The high cost of free frequent flyer miles

  There’s a tension between having an interest in travel hacking and an interest in taking control of your finances. On one hand, the two pursuits seem to go well together. Travel hacking involves having creative travel experiences on a … Read MoreRead More

Ignore interest rates on debt

  “This card has a 12% APR.” “My student loan is fixed at 5%.” “I can get a new car with a 0% interest loan.” Interest rates are talked about quite often when it comes to financial matters. Mostly, this … Read MoreRead More

How credit cards are like alcohol

  Alcohol is dangerous; would anyone disagree? For me, while it’s something I’ve used from time to time, it’s never been something that I’ve felt like I had a problem with. I don’t have to keep going when I start. … Read MoreRead More

Your credit card company thanks you for your generous donation

  Dearest cardholder, On behalf of everyone here, we want to thank you for your support and donations this year. While the recession has produced a drop in giving over the past few years after its peak in 2007, your … Read MoreRead More